Photos of the American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois
Know Before You Go
To make the most of your visit to the American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois, here are some things to know before you go.
What is the American Giants Museum?
The American Giants Museum is a unique Route 66 attraction that celebrates and preserves oversized roadside advertising figures like the Muffler Men and similar fiberglass giants that once dotted U.S. highways as eye-catching roadside icons. You’ll learn about how these figures were made and used in mid-20th-century America.
Where is the American Giants Museum located on Route 66?
The museum is located at 100 SW Arch Street in Atlanta, Illinois, right along the historic 1926 alignment of Route 66 in downtown Atlanta.
What will you see there?
Inside, the museum showcases historical exhibits on Muffler Men and other giants, including documents, molds, memorabilia, photos, and parts related to International Fiberglass, the company that produced hundreds of these figures in the 1960s and 1970s. Outside, there are multiple full-size giants positioned in the adjacent Route 66 Land of the Giants Rest Stop area .
What kinds of giants are on display?
The museum grounds feature several notable fiberglass giants such as:
- Snerd Giant
- Texaco Big Friend
- Phillips 66 Cowboy
- Viking Carpet Giant
- Space Man
- Indian Brave,
Is there an admission fee?
No, admission is free.
When is the muffler man museum open?
The museum’s hours are seasonal: typically open from April through September with weekday and weekend schedules. It may be closed during winter months, so it’s a good idea to check current hours before you visit.
Regardless of operating status, the muffler men and Land of the Giants Rest Stop are available and visible for photo ops.
Where can you park
Parking is available on the street or in a community lot across the street.
Is the American Giants museum accessible?
The entrance to the museum is stair-free and accessible parking is available. An accessible, unisex restroom is available for public use at the museum during regular hours of operation.
Is this a popular Route 66 museum?
Yes! The American Giants Museum highlights a quirky part of Route 66 history, the era when giant fiberglass figures were used as bold advertising tools to attract motorists. It brings together education and nostalgia in a small-town setting and connects visitors with a tactile slice of mid-20th-century roadside culture.
It is one of our picks for the Top 10 Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attractions, 66 Route 66 Attractions Worth Pulling Over For, and 66 Most Instagrammable Spots on Route 66.
Where to Stay Near the American Giants Museum
Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest with a stay at one of these nearby hotels on Illinois Route 66.
Travelodge by Wyndham Route 66 Atlanta
The Travelodge by Wyndham Route 66 Atlanta (formerly The Trail Inn) is the most convenient motel to downtown Atlanta. The location allows you to stay a while in town to take in all the best attractions in the area. Plus, with a gas station right across the street, it’s easy to fuel up your car or stock up on snacks.
Vrooman Mansion Bed and Breakfast
Vrooman Mansion Bed and Breakfast is located off Route 66 in the heart of Bloomington/Normal, Illinois. The Vrooman Mansion is a historical 1869 estate, with seven suites to choose from, all with private baths and access to beautiful common areas like the library, parlor, sitting rooms, and manicured grounds.
State House Inn
State House Inn, a landmark hotel in Springfield, Illinois, features a business center, gym, ironing service, and complimentary breakfast with a convenient location directly across the street from the Illinois State Capitol. Book a stay in one of the two themed Presidential Suites: the Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd.
Easily one of my favorite new places on Route 66! The museum is very impressive and well put together and it’s a dream seeing all of those muffler men and pals in one place. Can’t wait to see what new things will go on display there next!